MP3 players: turn it down or face the music

The surge in sales of MP3 players in recent years could mean more of us will develop hearing loss. Experts say if the volume through headphones is too high, there is a real risk of permanent damage to hearing. Gabrielle Collett-White investigates.

The surge in sales of MP3 players in recent years could mean more of us will develop hearing loss. Experts say if the volume through headphones is too high, there is a real risk of permanent damage to hearing. Gabrielle Collett-White investigates.

MP3 players, which include iPods, have revolutionised the way we listen to music. You can now download your whole CD collection on a piece of kit the size of a postage stamp.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Users can enjoy hours of uninterrupted listening and it's digital so there's no loss of quality even at high volumes. No wonder more than eight million MP3 players were sold in the UK last year. But are these devices safe?

MP3 players and hearing

The World Health Organisation has warned that listening to loud music (above 85 decibels) through earphones for over an hour at a time can cause irreparable damage to your hearing.

MOST POPULAR

MP3 players turned up to full volume have the ability to blast 104 decibels (dB) straight into the ears. That's almost as loud as standing next to a pneumatic drill (110dB).

Worryingly, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) found that more than two thirds of 18 to 30 year olds listen to their MP3 players at dangerously high volumes, and most are unaware of the risks.

The RNID is so concerned it is calling on manufacturers to provide clear warnings on packaging about the dangers.

What causes the damage?

People with good hearing have tiny hair cells that line the inner ear and these transmit signals to the brain, which are interpreted as sound.

The forceful vibrations from loud noise flatten these hairs. Although they generally spring back into place, repeated exposure can result in the hair cells snapping. Once broken, these hair cells do not re-grow and the resulting hearing damage is permanent.

Emma Harrison, Head of Campaigns at the RNID says: 'You may have noticed a ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and a temporary deafness after a night at a noisy concert or club or after a long session on your MP3.

'This is a sign that the hair cells are trying to recover and an early warning that you may be causing damage. If you continue to bombard your ears, the hearing loss will become permanent and there is nothing you can do to reverse it.'

How can you listen to your MP3 player safely?

'The real challenge is gauging what sound level is too high,' says Harrison, 'The general rule is that if anyone else can hear your music when you put on your headphones, it's too loud.'

The RNID also recommend taking regular breaks. 'Give yourself at least a five-minute rest for every hour you listen to your MP3 player to allow your ears to recover,' says Harrison.

The type of headphones you use can also make a difference. Noise cancelling headphones filter out external sounds so you don't have to turn up the volume to cover the hubbub of busy streets or public transport.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

But if you want to listen to your iPod for longer, go for retro over-the-ears headphones rather than earbud styles, say US scientists.

This is because earbuds that sit just inside the ear canal are six to nine decibels louder - the difference between listening to the drone of a vacuum cleaner and a revving motorbike.

Isolator earphones that sit inside the ear and cut out all background noise transmit the highest sound levels, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are the worst.

'No one set of earphones is more dangerous than another - it depends on how you use them,' says US researcher and audiologist Cory Portnuff.

'While isolator style earphones might be seen as more dangerous because they are capable of producing higher levels of sound than earbuds, most people use them at a lower volume because they block out background noise.'

Volume counts too

University of Colorado researchers put a safe listening limit of 4.6 hours per day on an iPod played at 70 percent volume using stock iPod earphones. This falls to just five minutes if you whack up your volume to maximum.

Noise limiting software

Hearing loss?

If you think you've experienced some hearing loss, it's a good idea to see an audiologist.

He or she can evaluate your hearing and help you to decide if further intervention is needed.

Some MP3 players have an option of noise limiting software that will let you know when your levels are too high or if you've been listening for too long. But at present this relies on the listener downloading the software in the first place.

Apple have taken this one step further and designed a device built into the iPod that monitors sound levels and automatically adjusts the volume to minimise hearing damage.

The idea is this feature could be activated by concerned users or parents anxious to protect their child's hearing.

Apple is in the process of applying for a patent for the device so it will be a little while yet before these safer iPods are available in the shops.

In the meantime the advice is simple - turn down the volume and take regular breaks. If you follow these tips, there's no reason why you can't safely enjoy your MP3 player and keep your hearing sharp, too.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.

Getting healthy just got a whole lot easier

Don't miss out on the latest healthy living news and inspiration direct to your inbox.

Enter your email address:

this is a test error

We will also let you know about discounts and great offers from us, tick this box if you'd rather not know about these.
Hearst Partners would like to let you know about some of their fantastic discounts, special offers, and promotions. We promise you wont be bombarded. Tick here if you would like to receive these.